Abstract
We have studied the electronic properties of ScS, a transition-metal monochalcogenide with a rocksalt crystal structure, using magnetization, specific heat, transport, and muon spin rotation/relaxation () measurements. All measurements confirm the bulk superconductivity in ScS with a transition temperature of K. Specific heat together with transverse-field measurements indicate a full gap, while our zero-field study reveals the presence of spontaneous static or quasistatic magnetic fields emerging when entering the superconducting state. We discuss various possible microscopic origins of the observed time-reversal symmetry breaking. As none of them can be readily reconciled with a conventional pairing mechanism, this introduces ScS as a candidate material for unconventional superconductivity.
- Received 2 April 2022
- Revised 11 July 2022
- Accepted 12 July 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.106.L020504
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